Posted on 12/12/2005 1:36:26 PM PST by george76
Nothing shows a scheme existed, the defense says
To get a conviction against U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay and two associates, Travis County prosecutors will have to prove the men knowingly raised or converted corporate cash with the intent of getting around the state's ban on using such money in campaigns for elective office.
DeLay's top lawyer, Dick DeGuerin of Houston, said prosecutors lack the evidence to prove any such scheme occurred.
The road map for what prosecutors will need to prove to get a conviction in DeLay's case was clearly spelled out in a ruling last week by Senior District Judge Pat Priest.
The case against DeLay, Ellis and Colyandro essentially is an alleged campaign finance violation focused on a state law that prohibits corporate money from being used in campaigns for elective office.
Corporate money can be legally raised by a political committee to pay for administrative expenses.
Republican lawyers have argued the definition of administrative expenses is vague, while Earle has said it is clearly meant to cover only rent and utility bills.
(Excerpt) Read more at chron.com ...
Perhaps this is why the judge allowed this one to stand. IIRC, Like Kay Bailey Hutchison, the judge would not allow a withdrawal or dismissal, he made sure it ended up in a "not guilty", knowing that Earle could not prove his case.
Double-jeopardy kind of thing.
Earle and his friends likely think that every month that they keep Delay away from the leadership in the House is a win, even when the rats loose the lawsuit.
Ronnie Earle's case isnt about breaking the law or collecting funds . Its about keeping Tom Delay away from his job.
Now I dont know if its against the law to deliberately use the law to to keep a Member,in this case a leading member, in fact the Majority leader,of the House of Representatives away from his job because of partisan politics. But certainly it is in violation of every code of ethics ever devised and certainly one of the dirtiest tricks the Dimocrats have ever used. This is what happens when one party has ethics and the other doesnt.
You see if Tom Delay were a Dimocrat he wouldnt have had to step down from his job. But the Republicans thought they were contributing to better government by making this a rule. The Dimocrats turned the Republicans ethics against them. Dimocrats have no ethics.
I wish someone would create a pic of Ronnie Earle paging the Thought Police.
The problem for Tom Delay is that he is being tried in a jurisdiction where Earl can get a ham sandwich indicted. I hope his attorney can get the trial moved.
I agree.
Even if Delay can later sue Earle for a wrongful prosecution, etc....the rats have won a victory by keeping Delay away from his leadership and denying America one of their true leaders in a time of war (treason by the DUmmies?).
I think that was their intention and motivation all along.
What sucks, is that it's working.
Even in that jurisdiction it seems like it took 3 grand juries to get the results Earl wanted. In a real trial, DeLay will have a defense and some choice on who sits on the jury.
Did Dick DeGuerin of Houston represent Kay Bailey Hutchison against Earle...and win ?
I believe it WAS him.
It is because the pubbies let these things happen w/o any retribution. GW should have gone after the Klintoons. Every liberal group along with Jessie HIGHjackson should have had a strict IRS audit. The liberal/commie/scums will always attack &* only a strong opposition will slow their endeavors down.
Why did you excerpt this? That is such a pain and totally unnecessary with the Houston Chronicle.
"I wish someone would create a pic of Ronnie Earle paging the Thought Police."
Charles, I KNOW you could do that...
Some years ago, the U.S. Constitution supposedly had some connection to our legal system (some older rumors labeled it the Supreme Law of the Land). If any of those rumors were true, then the following might apply:
the "arrest clause," contained in Article I, section 6, clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution. It reads:
Senators and Representatives . . . shall in all cases except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their attendance at the Sessions of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same;
The origins of this provision stemmed from fears that Members of Congress might be arrested or detained in order to prevent them from casting a specific vote, or out of sheer harassment by their enemies.
I would say that what they are doing to Tom Delay violates the spirit of that law, but I doubt that law would cover the situation.
"GW should have gone after the Klintoons."
GW sshould but he can't. There is this little matter of Mena, Ar. With the FBI files in klinton's hands, they must play nice with him.
Oh please, Charles, do it. All GOP Texans and DeLay fans will be forever grateful! Hell, the GOP would probably put it on their national website, with your permission, of course!
As long as the trial is held in Travis county I don't believe Delay can get justice. There may not be proof of wrongdoing by Delay, but that won't matter to a jury comprised of one part bedwetting Austin liberals and one part Oprah watchers living off welfare checks.
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